Age spots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, are flat, tan, brown, or black spots on the skin as you age. It typically appears on areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders, and arms. These spots are more common in older adults, hence the name “age spots.”
As you get closer to 50 years old, your body produces less elastin, collagen, and more pigmentation, causing these spots to appear. While age spots are harmless, they can be unsightly and may affect one’s self-confidence. Fortunately, you can eliminate age spots using a skincare routine or medical treatments. This article will discuss 14 natural ways to get rid of age spots on your face.
Symptoms of age spots
Here are the common symptoms associated with age spots:
- Color: Age spots usually range in color from tan to dark brown or black. They are typically darker than the surrounding skin.
- Size: Age spots can vary in size, ranging from small freckle-like spots to larger patches.
- Shape: They are usually round or oval in shape, with well-defined edges.
- Location: Age spots often appear on areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, arms, shoulders, and upper back.
- Texture: Age spots are generally flat and smooth, without any raised or rough areas. They do not cause any physical symptoms like itching or pain.
- Clustered Appearance: Age spots may appear in clusters or groups rather than solitary.
14 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Age Spots
1. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural skin brightener that effectively lightens age spots due to its high citric acid content. The acidity of lemon juice helps exfoliate the skin, remove dead cells, and fade pigmentation.
Simply squeeze fresh lemon juice and apply it directly to the affected areas using a cotton ball. Leave it on for about 15 minutes before rinsing off with water. Repeat this remedy twice a day for several weeks to see visible results.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known for its various health benefits. It can also help reduce the appearance of age spots. It contains alpha hydroxy acids that promote gentle exfoliation and balance the skin’s pH level.
To use apple cider vinegar, dilute it with an equal amount of water and apply it to the affected areas using a cotton pad. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off. For best results, repeat this process daily until the age spots fade.
3. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is renowned for its soothing properties and can help fade age spots while nourishing the skin. It contains vitamins, antioxidants, and enzymes that promote skin healing and rejuvenation.
Extract fresh aloe vera gel from an aloe leaf and apply it directly to the age spots. Gently massage the gel into the skin and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing off. Repeat this remedy twice a day to achieve noticeable results.
4. Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a natural remedy that can help lighten age spots and skin tone. It contains lactic acid, which acts as a gentle exfoliant and promotes the shedding of dead skin cells.
Soak a cotton ball in buttermilk and apply it to the affected areas. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off.
Regular application of buttermilk can gradually reduce the appearance of age spots and reveal smoother, more radiant skin.
5. Papaya
Papaya is not only delicious but also offers numerous benefits for the skin. It contains an enzyme called papain, which helps exfoliate and lighten the skin.
Mash ripe papaya into a smooth paste and apply it to the age spots. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing off. For optimal results, repeat this remedy three times a week. Over time, you will notice a reduction in the intensity of your age spots and a brighter complexion.
6. Castor Oil
Castor oil is a versatile remedy that can moisturize the skin and help fade age spots. It contains fatty acids and antioxidants that nourish and rejuvenate the skin.
Gently massage a small amount of castor oil onto the age spots and leave it on overnight. Rinse off the next morning. Regular use of castor oil can soften the appearance of age spots and improve the overall texture of your skin.
7. Onion Juice
Onion juice may not be the most appealing remedy, but it is highly effective in lightening age spots. Onions contain sulfur compounds that act as natural bleaching agents.
Extract the juice from the fresh onion and apply it to the age spots using a cotton ball. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off.
Follow this remedy twice a day for several weeks to see a noticeable reduction in the appearance of age spots.
8. Yogurt
Yogurt not only supports digestive health but also offers skin-brightening benefits. It contains lactic acid, which helps exfoliate the skin and lighten age spots.
Apply plain yogurt directly to the affected areas and let it sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off. Regular yogurt can help fade age spots and reveal a more youthful complexion.
9. Green Tea
Green tea is known for its antioxidant properties, which can help combat the signs of aging, including age spots. Brew a cup of green tea and let it cool.
Soak a cotton ball in the tea and apply it to the age spots. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off. For optimal results, repeat this process daily.
The antioxidants in green tea will help fade age spots and improve the overall health of your skin.
10. Potato
Potatoes contain enzymes and vitamin C that can help lighten age spots and even out skin tone. Grate a potato and extract the juice.
Apply the juice directly to the age spots using a cotton ball. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off. Regular application of potato juice can gradually reduce the appearance of age spots and promote a more uniform complexion.
11. Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil is a powerful antioxidant that can nourish the skin and aid in the repair of age spots. Pierce a vitamin E capsule and apply the oil directly to the affected areas.
Massage it into the skin until fully absorbed. Leave it on overnight and rinse off in the morning. Regular use of vitamin E oil can help fade age spots and improve the overall health of your skin.
12. Cucumber
Cucumber is known for its cooling and refreshing properties, making it an excellent remedy for age spots. Slice a cucumber and place the slices directly on the affected areas.
Leave them on for 20-30 minutes before removing them. Regular application of cucumber slices can help lighten age spots and soothe the skin.
13. Honey
Honey is a natural moisturizer that can help reduce the appearance of age spots and promote overall skin health. Apply a small amount of honey directly to the age spots and leave it on for 30 minutes.
Rinse off with warm water. Regular use of honey can moisturize the skin, diminish age spots, and leave you with a radiant complexion.
14. Almonds
Almonds can be an excellent exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and promote the fading of age spots. Soak a few almonds in water overnight and grind them into a paste the next morning.
Apply the almond paste to the aged spots and gently massage in circular motions. Leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing off.
Regular use of almond paste can help reduce the appearance of age spots and reveal healthier-looking skin.
Medical Treatment for Age Spots
1. Chemical Peel
Chemical Peel works by using a certain type of acid to remove your skin’s first layer where the age spots are most evident. The newer and healthier skin will then replace the old one, so you will notice that the age spots are lighter. It may take a few sessions before the age spots genuinely disappear.
2. Dermabrasion
Like what a chemical peel can do, this can also help remove the top layer of the skin, but instead of using acid, it uses a special derma brush. The treatment is said to be similar to sandpaper on the skin.
The two treatments mentioned above are the most common, but other treatments are still not as well known as some people undergo to get rid of their age spots. Some examples of medicines are the following:
3. Liquid Nitrogen
Liquid nitrogen effectively removes the age spots on the skin by killing the pigments that cause them. As the skin heals, the age spots are also supposed to fade. This has a downside; however, some people undergoing this treatment experience scarring and even more discoloration.
It would depend on the professional applying the liquid nitrogen on the skin. If the person does not know what he is doing, it might even ruin the skin.
4. Laser
This is very effective and has few side effects; however, it may be costly. The laser will destroy the pigments causing the age spots to appear.
If you get this treatment, remember it will not hurt your skin. The problem will be the price and the fact that you need several sessions before being happy with the results.
You can get rid of the age spots on your skin differently. You can make a little effort and try home remedies or spend more and undergo some professional treatments to make your age spots disappear faster. It will be your choice.
FAQs
1. Are age spots a sign of skin cancer?
Age spots are usually harmless and not a sign of skin cancer. However, if you notice any changes in the size, shape, color, or texture of your age spots, you should consult a dermatologist for a proper evaluation.
2. How long does it take for the remedies to show results?
The time it takes for the remedies to show results may vary from person to person. Consistent use of the remedies and proper sun protection can lead to visible improvements within a few weeks or months.
3. When should I consult a dermatologist about my age spots?
If you notice any sudden changes in the size, shape, or color of your age spots, or if you have concerns about their appearance, it is best to consult a dermatologist for a professional evaluation.
4. How to prevent age spots?
To prevent age spots, also known as liver spots or sunspots, you can follow these tips:
- Sun Protection: Protecting your skin from the sun is crucial in preventing age spots. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed areas of skin, including your face, neck, hands, and arms.
- Wear Sunglasses: Protect the delicate skin around your eyes by wearing sunglasses blocking UVA and UVB rays. This can help prevent age spots and reduce the risk of other eye-related issues.
- Use Protective Clothing: When you’re out in the sun, wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and skirts made of tightly woven fabrics. These clothes offer an additional barrier against harmful UV rays.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating a well-balanced diet rich in antioxidants can help protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your meals.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking adequate water helps maintain skin health and overall hydration. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water daily in a hot climate.
- Avoid Irritating Products: Certain cosmetics, fragrances, and skin care products can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
